Four arrests after armed home invasion (update)

Acting Minister of National Security Michael Scott revealed the news in a press statement today.

He said: “This senseless crime subjected children to the threat of serious harm and that is a shocking element of this crime. I am advised that already, four (4) individuals have been arrested in connection with this matter and forensic analysis has been fast-tracked to aid in the investigation. Again, excellent police work has yielded results and I look forward to justice being served."

Mr Scott added that he wished to offer his “profound and sincere empathy” to mother-of-three Rhonda Wilkinson, who told the Bermuda Sun that she and her family were terrified during the robbery.

Mr Scott said: “First and foremost as Acting Minister and on behalf of the Minister of National Security, I wish to offer my profound and sincere empathy to Ms Wilkinson, her two young children, her daughter and son, her cousin and to Ms Wilkinson’s boyfriend following their traumatic experience in what should have been the safety of their home.

“I would like to reinforce with the community that we must exercise increased vigilance , adopt neighborhood watch mentalities and act as our brother’s keeper. We urge members of the public with any, and I stress any, information regarding this incident or any suspicious behaviour noticed in your neighbourhoods to contact the police directly or the confidential CrimeStoppers hotline.”

Police Superintendent Antoine Daniels said in a press statement this afternoon: “Police are continuing their investigations into the aggravated burglary, which occurred around 8.30pm on Monday 2nd April, 2012, at a private residence located on Middle Road in Devonshire Parish.

“Three men and one woman have been arrested and remain in police custody.

“The scene of the incident has been forensically examined and samples seized for forensic analysis.

“Investigators are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the Middle Road, Devonshire area between 8 – 9pm on Monday night, or have any information whether they believe it to be important or not, to contact police at 295-0011, or the confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-Tips (8477).

“The Bermuda Police Service would also like to take this opportunity to thank those persons who have come forward thus far and look forward to continuing our positive rapport with community residents.

“As I have stated many times before, the Bermuda Police Service’s capacity to deal with crime depends to a large extent upon its relationship with the community. Recently in Bermuda, this belief appears to have been accepted with many positive interactions occurring between police and citizens, resulting in a significant number of high profile firearms offenders being successfully prosecuted before the courts.”